Hays County Pet Resource Center

03/29/2025

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Austin Pets Alive! announced the conclusion of its partnership with Hays County in managing the Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center. How we got here:

In 2022, Hays County hired Team Shelter USA to find a fix for its overcrowded shelter. The solution? A pet resource center model with a shelter, community programs, and expanded pet services.

In 2023, APA! was brought in to coordinate and implement the necessary community programs while advising on the shelter location. APA! was awarded the contract by Hays County to coordinate only 2 of the 10 recommended programs - virtual resource center (P.A.S.S.) and a Lost and Found Pet Program (planned to launch March 31, 2025).

Now, the Commissioner’s Court is prioritizing shelter construction over critical community resources that will prevent an exact replica of the overcrowded shelter already in place. Austin Pets Alive! was tasked to build programs to keep pets out of shelters. Here's the impact we made in Hays County.

03/25/2025

Partnership Between Hays County and Austin Pets Alive! for Pet Resource Center to Conclude

Austin, TX — March 25, 2025 — Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) announces the conclusion of its partnership with Hays County in managing the Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center (Hays PRC). The conclusion comes after the Commissioner's Court voted to terminate the contract to re-evaluate how to proceed with animal services in Hays County. Since its inception in April 2023, this collaboration has been instrumental in providing essential resources to pets and their owners throughout the county.

Over the past two years, APA! has achieved significant milestones, including supporting over 1,000 families through the virtual resource center and, in partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank, providing food and supplies to more than 2,100 pets in need.

“We are immensely proud of the work accomplished in Hays County,” said Lee Ann Shenefiel, Hays County Pet Resource Center Director and Executive Advisor. “Our mission has always been to promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals and keep pets out of the shelter system. While our formal partnership is ending, our commitment to the welfare of animals remains steadfast.”

APA! extends its gratitude to the Hays County Commissioners Court and the residents of Hays County for their support and collaboration. The contract between APA! and Hays County is set to conclude in the next 30 days. While the future of a re-evaluated contract is uncertain, APA! remains dedicated to its overarching goal of ensuring that every companion animal has the chance for a better life and that pets can stay with the families who want and love them.

You can find additional information on APA!’s blog here:

03/25/2025

Today, March 25, 2025 was proclaimed Human-Animal Services Day by the Commissioners Court! 🩵🐾

We know people in Hays County love their pets and want positive outcomes for the unhoused animals within the community.

A community focused animal welfare system provides Hays County with social service-oriented and diversified support that allows people and pets to have multiple options of care.

The Pet Resource Center provides this support for families by connecting pet owners with services, resources, and help for their pets to keep families together and out of the shelter system.

03/20/2025

🐱 You can support the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter by taking these simple steps! During kitten season, our community’s collective effort can significantly impact the lives of vulnerable pets in Hays County.

🐈 Educate: Share the Kitten Season Guide to help others know what to do with found kittens - https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3416/Kitten-Season

🩺 Promote: Spread the word about affordable spay/neuter clinics using our Pet Resources Guide - t.ly/naDxO

🍼 Share the Wishlist and donate essential supplies - https://r.amzlink.to/?btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fhz%2Fwishlist%2Fls%2F3JLPJUZPIRUH0%2Fref%3Dhz_ls_biz_ex&btn_ref=org-433bb393e1b8b503

03/16/2025

🧡 Help us provide essential support to our community members and their pets. Every bag of food counts and you can make a difference.

We’re in need of volunteers to assist with our people & pet food distribution in Hays County. Join us Saturday, March 22 from 8AM - 12PM at McCormick Middle School in Buda.

Sign up today by contacting [email protected]

03/14/2025

Are you and your pet ready for the camera? Help us showcase the special bond between people and pets!

We're looking for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities to participate in a one day photoshoot in Buda with their pet(s).

Contact [email protected] to participate! 🐾

03/13/2025

🌼 This Spring, make a difference in a dog's life. Join the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter Dog's Day Out Program!

🐶 Take a shelter pet out for a walk, playtime, and much needed quality time! You can help them take a break from the shelter environment and increase their chances of finding a home.
https://sanmarcostx.gov/3843/Dogs-Day-Out-Program

Want to help shelter dogs get out of the shelter and destress? Sign up for the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter's Dog's Day Out Program!The goal of the San...

03/08/2025

🐱Did you know? Most kittens don’t need rescuing. If you find a litter of kittens, don’t rescue them immediately!

🕝 1. Their mom is likely hunting for food. Leave the area and check back within a few hours to see if she has returned.

🐈‍⬛ 2. Their best chance of survival is with the mother. Let her care for them until they are 8 weeks old. If she does not return, they may be orphans.

🍼 3. If you are able, care for the kittens until they are 8 weeks old. Only feed them kitten formula from a pet store.

🐈 4. Once the kittens are old enough, they can be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and adopted into new homes or returned to their colony with a caretaker.

You can help keep kittens out of the shelter. Follow this helpful guide from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter! 🐾

03/08/2025

Join us Saturday, March 8 at the City of San Marcos TX Stronger Together Resources Fair at the San Marcos Public Library!

Stop by our table to learn more about available resources for you and your pets, education information, and more! 🩵 🐾

03/06/2025

🤝 We're teaming up to combat hunger in ! Our first Drive-Up Food Distribution of the year, in partnership with Central Texas Food Bank will provide food for both people and pets. Open to all community members. 🐾

🕤 9:00 - 10:30 AM
📆 Saturday, March 22
📍 McCormick Middle School Buda

03/04/2025

📢DATE CHANGE: This month's distribution is Saturday, March 22!